Essential workers are now eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington talks with a physician about what it means for these front-line workers
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The Louisiana Lottery estimates they will transfer a record high of more than $190-million to the state for K-12 public schools this year. Brooke Thorington on how education hit the jackpot.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Attorney General Jeff Landry joins other Republican AG’s in opposing an aspect of the recently passed Biden Stimulus Bill that blocks states from enacting tax cuts. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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Starting today essential workers can be vaccinated. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says this is a very important step in mitigating the pandemic and giving those who have kept things running the best protection from COVID.
Cut 4 (08)“…society.”
Essential workers are the last group to be prioritized before the vaccine is open to all adults. Hassig says while the goal to vaccinate the elderly first has merit, most essential workers do not t have the option to work remotely.
Cut 5 (10)“…danger.”
Some argue essential workers should have received higher priority because of their professions and on-the-job risk of exposure. Hassig agrees.
Cut 6 (10) “…higher.”
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The Louisiana Lottery estimates they will end their fiscal year at the end of June, the most profitable in their 30-year history. Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they are projected to transfer over $190-million to the state for K-12 public education.
Cut 7 (11) “…ways.”
Chopin says the Lottery was extremely lucky that their retailers, grocery and convenience stores, remained open thorough out 2020. Allowing them to entertain consumers.
Cut 8 (10) “…Limited.”
Casinos closed for two months in 2020 and then reopened at limited capacity, making the lottery the only game in town for a bit.
Chopin says another bonus for the Lottery came in June when the legislature eased the budgetary transfer mandate allowing them to put more money into prizes.
Cut 9 (04) “…play more.”
And sales also boomed for the Louisiana Lottery with record jackpots of 1-billion and 731-million for Mega Millions and Powerball in January. The Louisiana Lottery will celebrate its 30 year anniversary in September.
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Tucked into the American Rescue Act is a requirement that states that accept aid are restricted from cutting taxes through 2024.
Attorney General Jeff Landry joined other Republican AG’s in opposing the tax cut limitation. Solicitor General Liz Murrill says because the Act has already been signed into law…
Cut 10 (06) “…applicable.”
350 billion dollars of the 1.9 trillion dollar plan was set aside specifically as assistance for states.
Murrill says the mandate is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Cut 11 (05) “…Legislature”
Per the AG’s office, the wording of the stimulus bill forbids states from using COVID-19 relief funds to “directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenues.” 21 AG’s signed onto a letter sent to the Treasury Secretary opposing the language and asking for regulatory intervention removing it.
Governor Edwards says he has no problem with the requirement, and it doesn’t change any of his plans. He says he’s committed to pursuing tax reform, but only if it is revenue-neutral.
Cut 12 (06) “…Governor”
The Governor has unilateral authority to accept or reject the federal funds, and the mandates that come with them.
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Republican Julia Letlow won the special election for the 5th Congressional District outright Saturday with 65 percent of the vote.
The election was called after Julia’s husband, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, died of COVID-19 just days before he was set to be sworn in. Julia Letlow told KNOE-TV it’s been an emotional four months…
Cut 13 (03) “…with pride.”
Democrat Sandra Christophe came in second with 27 percent of the vote. Republican Chad Conerly won five percent.
She says her time on the campaign trail has helped her process the tragedy.
Cut 14 (09) “…for me.”
Letlow became the instant favorite to win the seat after declaring her candidacy and inheriting her husband’s campaign infrastructure and support.
Letlow says when she gets to Congress her first priority will be rural broadband.
Cut 15 (12)“..coming down.”
The sprawling 5th District touches 27 parishes running from northeast Louisiana through Alexandria and over to the northern half of the Florida Parishes.
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This year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has featured several upsets and eighth-seeded LSU will try to add to the upset tally when they face top-seeded Michigan at 6:10 PM tonight. The Wolverines are 21-and-4 and Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Wolverines have huge guys that will bully you….
Cut 16 (16) “…from three.”
Michigan’s leading scorer is seven-foot-one freshman Hunter Dickinson, who is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Six-foot-seven Junior Forward Darius Days on going up against Dickinson and the Wolverines….
Cut 17 (16) “…for us.”
The Tigers have struggled rebounding this season and Days that will be a key in tonight’s game…
Cut 18 (13) “…the ball.”